The Government has launched a consultation to give over 3.5 million unmarried couples greater financial security.
The consultation is seeking to strengthen rights and make the separation process less financially difficult for cohabiting couples and those not married.
The Government said that by “bringing family law into the modern day”, it will help couples gain financial security and independence at the end of a cohabiting relationship, whatever the marital status. Under the proposals, bereaved unmarried couples will have automatic rights to inheritance if a partner dies without a will.
Under current rules, unmarried couples have no automatic legal rights to each other’s property or finances.
The Government is also proposing making pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements legally binding so people who choose to enter one can feel confident their financial wishes will be honoured if they divorce.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “When a relationship comes to an end, each partner should have the support and certainty they need to rebuild their life. We’re launching this consultation to make sure our new family law builds a fair system that offers the most vulnerable protection in the event of a breakup and a time where the country is facing cost of living pressures.”
The Government is proposing cohabitants should have lived together for at least three years or share a child to access the framework. Courts must also be satisfied couples are in an enduring family relationship.
The consultation will run for 10 weeks, closing on 14 August.
Main image: jon-moore-bBavss4ZQcA-unsplash
